Might seem a cute metaphor calling Albee Layer a budding pilot; the fella likes to launch after all. Yet the 34-year old from Maui is training for his next chapter and it doesn't go ignored in his latest edit, Less Than Easy.

Lots of air time among the Maui glass, yet also a healthy mix of slabs and a solid section on Jaws. Including at 13:00 mins the send that stakes the territory for paddle surfers at Jaws. It wasn't made but it marks the bleeding edge of performance in XXL waves and would have those willing to step over the edge asking questions about board design, line choice, or anything else that increases the odds next time a wave like that rears over the reef.

Says Albee: "After living on this island for 33 years it can be easy to take everything about it for granted. Then every year it reminds me just how special it is. This year was no different. We worked really hard to look at waves with fresh eyes and new ideas and give our all to the spots that are a staple here.

"We got the best five day run of Jaws waves I've ever seen in my lifetime, ending with the biggest swell I have seen. Was something special."